10+ Things to Do in Hoboken, NJ
Hoboken, New Jersey – home to Frank Sinatra and baseball – is a vibrant and bustling city located just across the Hudson River from New York City. It is easily accessible by train or ferry and has become a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to the Big Apple. From its rich history to its vibrant nightlife, there is plenty to explore in Hoboken. Here’s what you need to know about this New Jersey city.
Why is Hoboken worth visiting?
Despite its modest size (just over 2 square miles), Hoboken is bursting with things to do. There are museums and galleries and outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, and biking. There are also plenty of outdoor cafes, bars, and live music venues. In addition, the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the area, offering a variety of cuisines. However, some old-school Italian restaurants in the area offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else!
It’s worth mentioning the great shopping opportunities in Hoboken. From trendy boutiques down Washington’s St to independent art galleries like Barsky Gallery and the Field Colony, there is something for everyone. Hoboken is also home to incredible views of the New York City skyline, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
So, if you’re looking for a fun, vibrant city to explore, Hoboken, NJ, is a great option. Its diverse culture and many activities make it an excellent destination for tourists and locals. So, make sure to check out the many things to do in Hoboken, NJ!
Unique Things to do in Hoboken, NJ
Hoboken, New Jersey, is a great place to explore and experience. This historic city is full of exciting things to do and places to visit. You might already know about the Hoboken History Museum or the Carlo’s Bakery from TLC, so we’re here to point you toward some hidden gems to explore in the city. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are 12 things to do in Hoboken!
If you only have the time to do a couple of things, make sure you check these off your list.
Explore the waterfront and take a walk along the Hudson waterfront walkway
While this might be the first thing you hear about when asking for things to do in Hoboken, there’s a reason for that. With its views of the striking skyline of New York City’s mid- and downtown, this is a must-add to your itinerary.
We recommend you rent some city bikes and explore. If you feel up for it, the Liberty State Park in JC is an easy 20-minute ride away. Still, whether you decide to cycle or walk, you’re bound to have a great time, especially if the weather is on your side. You’ll get to take in the stunning views of the NYC skyline, but you’ll also find parks, such as the well-loved Pier A, and plenty of places to relax.
There are also many food and drink options along the way, including the famous Blue Eyes restaurant. It is well known for its great Italian food, but it might not be for you if you’d rather avoid tourist hot spots.
Go bar hopping on Washington St
With 120 drinking spots, Hoboken has the most bars per capita in the US (yes, more than NYC, too). So it’s no wonder that you should consider checking out some of its great bars to get a good feel of the city.
There really is plenty, so if you want to explore – go to Washington St and enjoy! However, if you want to visit some of the more authentic local bars, you might want to venture out from the very center. Some of our recommendations include the following:
- Finnegan’s Pub, for nice outdoor seating, good food, and live music.
- Address: 734 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030
- Wicked Wolf Tavern, for comfort food with a side of the NYC skyline.
- Address: 120 Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030
- Mills Tavern/Mills Hoboken, for Hip Hop and an affordable night out.
- Address: 125 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Get a roast beef & mozzarella sandwich from Fiore’s
If you only have time for one meal in Hoboken, make it one of the famous sandwiches from Fiore’s House of Quality. We promise their homemade mozzarella is going to make your day. If you go, be prepared for some queueing, especially if you plan on grabbing their Saturday Special – roast beef & mozzarella.
Address: 414 Adams St #2693, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Reserve an igloo at Plisener Haus
This is a seasonal opportunity, so if you’re traveling to Hoboken in the fall/winter – read on! If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink and escape the cold, we recommend reserving a heated igloo on the Pilsener Haus’ rooftop. The igloos are a fun, cozy experience, but this is also a great bar that you should definitely put on your to-visit list.
Address: 1422 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Work on your woodworking skills at the DIY Joint
If you’re looking for a break from eating and drinking, check out the DIY Joint! While it used to be located in Hoboken, it is now just on the other side of Manhattan Avenue. It offers a range of woodworking and DIY classes, providing you with the training and supervision you need for a safe and fun experience. In addition, you can choose to work on a project as a pair, saving 25% on the price of 2 adult tickets, and you get to keep your creation!
Address: 600 Palisade Ave, Union City, NJ 07087
Get a taste of old-school Italian cuisine
If you have done some research already, you might have heard of restaurants such as the Blue Eyes, named after the most famous local, Frank Sinatra. And while it does serve some great food, it might lack the “authentic” feel you potentially seek due to the restaurant’s popularity with tourists. So, while we recommend you grab some Italian when in Hoboken, we have some more old-school and off-the-radar recommendations for you.
Leo’s, established in 1939, serves Italian classics to the tune of Sinatra hits. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in town and is well-loved by the locals – so you might want to book in advance.
Address: #A, 200 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Another great local restaurant, Augustinos, has been serving delicious Southern Italian food since 1997. Although a table might be hard to get at more popular times, it is well worth the wait to experience the atmosphere of this family-owned gem.
Address: 1104 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Finally, if you want something even more low-key, head to Café Michelina. It’s a family-owned, casual BYOB restaurant offering excellent traditional food and a lovely atmosphere.
Address: 423 Bloomfield St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Refuel at the Empire Coffee & Tea
Well-loved by all the local coffee drinkers, Empire Coffee & Tea sells a variety of coffee bean, tea, and confectionary types. So grab yourself a cup of the Mexican Spice iced coffee and a blueberry muffin and relax for a bit, enjoying the fun interior of the shop, or take it on your stroll through the city.
Address: 338 Bloomfield St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Get your blood pumping
If you like to stay active during your getaways, you’ll enjoy yourself in Hoboken. It’s one thing that the whole city is very pedestrian friendly, inviting you to walk pretty much everywhere. But you’ll also find plenty of establishments that’ll challenge your fitness in fun ways! For example, we recommend you check out rock climbing at The Gravity Vault. While you’ll see Gravity Vault locations scattered around New Jersey and NYC, it is still a great way to spend some time in Hoboken. There have climbs for anyone, from a beginner to an experienced climber, and classes you can take to build confidence on the wall. Alternatively, check out some of the many paddle boarding and jet skiing options near the waterfront. And in summer, you can enjoy free paddle boarding and kayaking at the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse!
The Gravity Vault: 1423 Clinton St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse: Frank Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Replenish your sugars in style
As the day is winding down, treat yourself and book a table at the Antique Bar & Bakery. Although pricey, this bar & grill has some fantastic food and cocktails for you to try. If you’re full after a day of eating at all the other great restaurants in the area, we recommend you at least give their giant cookie with ice cream a try – thank us later.
Address: 122 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030
There are so many things to do in Hoboken, NJ. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, explore the city and find something new to do. Have a great time in Hoboken!
